Quick Answer
The answer is sys.dm_exec_query_stats. This dynamic management view is the correct choice because it returns aggregated performance statistics for cached query plans, including total CPU time, which allows you to identify the top queries by CPU consumption over a historical period like the last hour. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between DMVs that provide historical query performance data versus those showing only current state or session-level information. A common trap is confusing sys.dm_exec_query_stats with sys.dm_exec_requests, which only shows actively running queries, or sys.dm_exec_sessions, which lacks query-level CPU metrics. Remember the memory tip: “Stats for the past, Requests for now”—sys.dm_exec_query_stats stores historical CPU stats for cached plans, making it your go-to for analyzing top CPU consumers over time.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You manage an Azure SQL Database that experiences periodic performance degradation. You need to identify the top queries by CPU consumption over the last hour. Which dynamic management view should you query?
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why wrong: Shows session-level info, not query CPU.
sys.dm_exec_query_plan
Why wrong: Shows query plan XML, not CPU stats.
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Provides aggregated CPU statistics for cached query plans.
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why wrong: Shows currently executing requests, not historical.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Option A is correct because sys.dm_exec_query_stats provides aggregated performance statistics for cached query plans, including CPU time. Option B is wrong because sys.dm_exec_sessions shows active sessions but not query-level CPU. Option C is wrong because sys.dm_exec_requests shows currently executing requests, not historical data. Option D is wrong because sys.dm_exec_query_plan shows the actual plan, not CPU stats.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why it's wrong here
Shows session-level info, not query CPU.
sys.dm_exec_query_plan
Why it's wrong here
Shows query plan XML, not CPU stats.
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why this is correct
Provides aggregated CPU statistics for cached query plans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why it's wrong here
Shows currently executing requests, not historical.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows session-level info, not query CPU.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: sys.dm_exec_query_stats — Option A is correct because sys.dm_exec_query_stats provides aggregated performance statistics for cached query plans, including CPU time. Option B is wrong because sys.dm_exec_sessions shows active sessions but not query-level CPU. Option C is wrong because sys.dm_exec_requests shows currently executing requests, not historical data. Option D is wrong because sys.dm_exec_query_plan shows the actual plan, not CPU stats.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are monitoring an Azure SQL Database using dynamic management views (DMVs). You want to identify the top queries by total CPU time over the last hour. Which DMV should you query?
easyWhy A: Option B is correct because sys.dm_exec_query_stats provides aggregated performance statistics including CPU time. Option A is wrong because it shows currently executing queries, not historical. Option C is wrong because it shows resource governance stats. Option D is wrong because it shows index usage.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-300 exam.
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